In a dramatic moment Monday night, the State College Borough Council shot down a controversial gas pipeline project. Council members voted to deny a permit that would have allowed a high-pressure pipeline to run through in a State College neighborhood.
Penn State says the pipeline is needed as part of a program to convert the university’s coal-fired power plant to natural gas. A grassroots organization successfully lobbied against the plan.
Perhaps lost in the debate — what happens now? The resolution approved by council denied the permit but it also contained language calling for more discussions with Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania and Penn State.
Borough Manager Thomas Fountaine says he’s not sure what will happen next. Fountaine says it’s possible that lawsuits might be filed against the borough, but stresses that at this point the way forward remains unclear.
Paul Ruskin is the Communications and Public Affairs Coordinator for Penn State’s Office of Physical Plant.
Ruskin tells StateCollege.com the university has not yet developed a new plan of action.
He released a statement saying, “The University remains committed to meeting the new EPA federal regulations for MACT (Maximum Achievable Control Technology) which require reductions in current emissions of mercury and hydrogen chloride. Penn State has listened carefully to the community reaction to the Columbia gas line plan and is evaluating all options available to us. This process will take several weeks.”
Columbia gas spokesperson Russ Bedell says his company will also need to consider options and there are no specific plans yet. Bedell notes that there have been in talks with State College for some time and that Columbia Gas is, “committed to continuing those discussions.”
StateCollege.com will be watching for developments and will bring you updates as this story continues to unfold.
Centre County Report filed this story on the borough council’s vote Monday night.
